Weekly Therapist Check-in: Identifying your Inner Critic
How many of you have noticed what your inner critic tells you throughout the day? When you feel bad, anxious or ashamed I’d like you to pause and notice how you are talking to yourself in your mind. If you are being judgy towards yourself- saying that what you are feeling is “bad” or “ not right” or you are telling yourself you “should” or “shouldn't” have done this or that- it’s likely that your inner critic has taken over. What I encourage you to do today is take a moment to NOTICE what you are telling yourself when you are feeling bad, and NAME it- i.e. “my inner critic is telling me that I’m not good enough because I didn’t get through my to do list”. I’d really like to hear what you observed your inner critic is saying to you throughout the day. Looking forward to hearing from you, Johanna
My inner critic is telling me I’m overweight and that I’m not working hard enough to get the weight back off. Sometimes I Feel like I’m too much, or not enough. That I am not a good person like I thought. I am my biggest critic, and I appreciate this post to make me realize how negative I am to myself.
@jessbess913 sometimes I find it best to agree with what the inner critic is saying.
Inner critic says : "You are too lazy - get some exercise."
soulsings reples "Thank you for pointing out I need exercise. Maybe that will help me feel better. I need to adjust my schedule to get in more exercise."
The inner critic did not get a reaction from me. I found something beneficial in what they said so I did not absorb the negativity.
@JohannaLiasidesMSc This is a very interesting post for me and something I definitely need to start doing for myself. I'm very good at giving advice to others but not often very good at receiving advice to myself.
My self talk isn't always that great. I was severely abused as a child and went through a lot of pain with my biological parents. I believe a lot of my poor self talk comes from them. As well as bullying I faced in high school.
But I am encouraged knowing things can get better. I look forward to the day that I can finally afford therapy because I believe that will be when I can really move on with my life
@beck1 I am sorry for all the challenges you faced in life. It is very courageous of you to keep going on despite those challenges.
Sorry you cannot afford therapy. Hope you can find a listener that you can talk to. https://www.7cups.com/BrowseListeners/
@soulsings Thank you! I appreciate you replying!
@JohannaLiasidesMSc My inner critic says that I'm shameful, bratty, stupid, and not a nice person as I thought. My relationship with my ex-boyfriend has been hard on my weak self-esteem. I imagine these must be what he thinks about me. Although I'm not sure if he does in reality. Honestly I have no idea what he thinks about me.
@lolita9824 I hear you. When I base my self worth on what other people think of me, I am never sure of who I am or of what worth. If I base it on my inner qualities and how I treat others, then my sense of self worth is more stable.
Breakups are not easy. Letting go is not easy. Guilt is a heavy load to bear. Try not to blame yourself.
I know what mines says every day all day I am just taking up space I don't do anything right. Your in the way your unwanted even by my cat lately. I know these are just thoughts but I've been told these things since I was 3. I guess I believe them. I've tried to change them and do things I'm good at but I don't finish them but that's just me
@Darlenek1956 sorry that you have been told wrong views. That is an opportunity missed by those who were your teachers and guides.
How do you feel about designing little projects that you can surely finish? That is a way to build confidence.
